We knew it wouldn’t be too long before artists caught on to 3D printing. They are the masters at turning two dimensional canvases into 3 dimensional wonders, and have produced sculptures that capture the world’s imagination.

Similar to changes in the movie industry, the art world has undergone something of a revolution in recent years. The progress of 3D printing technology is altering various aspects of the business. Artists from across the globe have seen creative potential in 3D printing. They have executed interesting projects, from jewellery design to large scale sculptures.

From interior design to fashion

A recent article in The Huffington Post highlighted how 3D printing is changing the art world dramatically. Of the extraordinary projects undertaken by artists, the most outstanding was Michael Hansmeyer and Benjamin Dillenburger's "Digital Grotesque". It is a 3D printed interior design project which was heavily influenced by the baroque and gothic:

“Architects Michael Hansmeyer and Benjamin Dillenburger 3D printed an entire room, creating a 16-square-meter cube covered in unbelievable ornamentation ripped straight from the interiors of an alien house of worship. Titled "Digital Grotesque," the style of architecture is meant to defy "classification and reductionism," turning algorithms into tangible design.”

3D printing has also made its way into the world of fashion. Danit Peleg and her creative team have been busy exploiting the unique characteristics of different materials to create wearable art. Recently, Peleg added another entirely unique dimension to her work - the ability for customers to customise it.

In the summer of 2017, Danit launched a customisation and personalisation platform on her website. This enabled her customers to personalise and order the world’s first 3D printed garment. As the technology improves, Danit has a vision for a world where anyone will be able to buy files and print clothes at home or at a designated store. Unfortunately, many people will find the costs of such things a little out of their price range, with lowest price currently offered at just over £1000.

Art for everyone

3D printing has made art more exciting, and has broadened opportunities for everyone to experience it. If talented young people want to enter the art world, they can do so through creating 3D sculptures to reflect their passion.

Likewise, 3D printing is a useful tool in art education. Students can see and feel works of sculpture without ever having to leave their school. Tangible recreations lift art and art history out of books and present them as objects in the real world.

“3D printing technology is a source of artistic inspiration for millions of artists across the world. Especially with the advent of 3D printing metal, artists can create beautiful, intricate pieces. This is through making art accessible to all, developing new forms, and materialising the invisible, is getting new people interested in art through 3D printing.”